12 NCERT CBSE Sociology Social Change and Development in Industrial Society in Indiar
Theme Analysis
Main ThemeSocial Change and Development in Industrial Society in India
Subject CategorySociology
Key Concepts
Question FocusThe questions focus on the social and economic impacts of industrialization, liberalization, and globalization in India, contrasting it with developed countries and traditional structures. Emphasis is placed on understanding definitions, cause-and-effect relationships, and the implications for various sections of society, including workers in different sectors. A mix of Bloom's levels and difficulty ensures comprehensive assessment.
According to thinkers like Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile Durkheim, which of the following social features is NOT typically associated with industrialization?
Hint: Consider Marx's concept of alienation.
Answer
Increased enjoyment and fulfillment in work due to specialization
Explanation
The text states that industrialization is associated with urbanization, detailed division of labor, and the substitution of face-to-face relationships by anonymous professional relationships. Marx specifically called the situation where people do not enjoy work and see it as something they have to do only to survive 'alienation', which contradicts the idea of increased enjoyment and fulfillment.
Karl Marx used the term 'alienation' to describe a situation where workers:
Hint: Recall Marx's perspective on the relationship between workers and their labor in industrial settings.
Answer
Do not enjoy work, seeing it only as a means to survive, with survival depending on technology's need for human labor.
Explanation
The text defines alienation as a situation 'when people do not enjoy work, and see it as something they have to do only in order to survive, and even that survival depends on whether the technology has room for any human labour.' Options A, B, and D describe the opposite of alienation.
In 2018–19, India's employment distribution significantly differed from developed countries. Which statement accurately reflects this difference?
Hint: Compare the primary, secondary, and tertiary sector employment percentages mentioned for India and developed countries.
Answer
In developed countries, the majority are in services; in India, nearly 43% were employed in the primary sector.
Explanation
The text states that 'In developed countries, the majority of people are in the services sector, followed by industry and less than 10% are in agriculture (ILO figures).' For India in 2018–19, 'nearly 43% were employed in the primary sector (agriculture and mining)'. This highlights a key difference in employment patterns.
According to one definition, the 'organised sector' in India is characterized by:
Hint: Recall the specific criteria for the organized sector mentioned in the text.
Answer
All units employing ten or more people throughout the year and registered with the government.
Explanation
The text defines the organised sector as consisting of 'all units employing ten or more people throughout the year. These have to be registered with the government to ensure that their employees get proper salaries or wages, pension and other benefits.'
What is a significant social implication of the small size of the organised sector in India, where over 90% of work is in the unorganised sector?
Hint: Think about the consequences of working in an informal setting without formal regulations or unions.
Answer
Personal relationships often determine aspects of work, and workers lack collective bargaining power.
Explanation
The text highlights several social implications: 'personal relationships determine many aspects of work' in small-scale workplaces, 'very few Indians have access to secure jobs with benefits', and 'very few people are members of unions', meaning 'unorganised or informal sector workers do not have the experience of collectively fighting for proper wages and safe working conditions.'
Since the 1990s, India's policy of liberalization has led to which of the following outcomes?
Hint: Recall the effects of liberalization on private and foreign investment and market competition.
Answer
Encouragement of private companies, including foreign firms, to invest in various sectors, leading to multinational takeovers.
Explanation
The text states: 'Since the 1990s, the government has followed a policy of liberalisation. Private companies, especially foreign firms, are encouraged to invest in sectors earlier reserved for the government... Foreign products are now easily available... As a result of liberalisation, many Indian companies— small and large, have been bought over by multinationals.'
The process by which the government sells its share in several public sector companies is known as:
Hint: This is a direct definition from the text.
Answer
Disinvestment
Explanation
The text explicitly states: 'The government is trying to sell its share in several public sector companies, a process which is known as disinvestment.'
How does the trend of outsourcing affect workers, especially in developing countries like India?
Hint: Consider the competitive pressure on smaller companies that receive outsourced work.
Answer
It often results in lower wages and poor working conditions due to competition among small companies.
Explanation
The text explains: 'For multinational companies, this outsourcing is done across the globe, with developing countries like India providing cheap labour. Because small companies have to compete for orders from the big companies, they keep wages low, and working conditions are often poor. It is more difficult for trade unions to organise in smaller firms.'
Mahatma Gandhi's primary objection to machinery, as expressed in 'Hind Swaraj', was that it:
Hint: Focus on Gandhi's concern about the social and economic consequences of mechanization.
Answer
Led to 'labour-saving' that resulted in unemployment and concentration of wealth in the hands of a few.
Explanation
Gandhi stated: 'What I object to is the craze for machinery, not machinery as such. The craze is for what they call labour-saving machinery. Men go on ‘saving labour’ till thousands are without work and thrown on the open streets to die of starvation. I want to save time and labour, not for a fraction of mankind, but for all. I want the concentration of wealth, not in the hands of the few, but in the hands of all.'
Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned as a dangerous condition faced by workers in underground mines?
Hint: Review the specific hazards listed for underground mining.
Answer
Exposure to extreme heat from molten rock
Explanation
The text lists 'flooding, fire, the collapse of roofs and sides, the emission of gases and ventilation failures' as dangerous conditions in underground mines. Exposure to extreme heat from molten rock is not mentioned.
Home-based work, a significant part of the economy, is primarily characterized by:
Hint: Recall the description of home-based work, including who performs it and how they are compensated.
Answer
Manufacture of various products, mainly by women and children, paid on a piece-rate basis by an agent.
Explanation
The text states: 'This work is mainly done by women and children. An agent provides raw materials and also picks up the finished product. Home workers are paid on a piece-rate basis, depending on the number of pieces they make.'
The Bombay Textile Strike of 1982 was led by which prominent trade union leader?
Hint: Recall the specific name mentioned in connection with the Bombay Textile Strike.
Answer
Dr. Datta Samant
Explanation
The text explicitly states: 'Let us look at one famous strike, the Bombay Textile strike of 1982, which was led by the trade union leader, Dr. Datta Samant.'
Historically, what significant role has government employment played in India, according to the text?
Hint: Think about the social benefits attributed to government jobs.
Answer
It has been a major factor in overcoming boundaries of caste, religion, and region.
Explanation
The text highlights: 'Government employment in India has played a major role in overcoming boundaries of caste, religion and region. One sociologist has argued that the reason why there have never been communal riots in a place like Bhilai is because the public sector Bhilai Steel Plant employs people from all over India who work together.'
The 'convergence thesis', put forward by modernization theorist Clark Kerr, suggests that an industrialised India of the 21st century would share more features with:
Hint: Recall the comparison made by Clark Kerr regarding industrialized societies.
Answer
China or the United States in the 21st century.
Explanation
The text states: 'According to the convergence thesis put forward by modernisation theorist Clark Kerr, an industrialised India of the 21st century shares more features with China or the United States in the 21st century than it shares with 19th century India.'
Sociologist Harry Braverman argued that the use of machinery often leads to 'deskilling' of workers. This means:
Hint: Consider the example of architects and engineers mentioned in the text.
Answer
Machinery reduces the need for highly skilled human labor, as computers perform complex tasks.
Explanation
The text explains Braverman's argument: 'Harry Braverman, argues that the use of machinery actually deskills workers. For example, whereas earlier architects and engineers had to be skilled draughtsmen, now the computer does a lot of the work for them.'
The concept of 'Time Slavery' in the IT sector, as described in the text, primarily refers to:
Hint: Recall the details about the average workday, 'night outs', and reasons for extended hours in the IT sector.
Answer
The expectation of long working hours, often involving staying overnight, due to project deadlines, time differences, and underestimation of project costs.
Explanation
Box 5.1, 'Time Slavery' in the IT Sector, describes an 'average work day has 10–12 hours and it is not uncommon for employees to stay overnight in the office (known as a ‘night out’), when faced with a project deadline. Long working hours are central to the industry’s ‘work culture’.' It also mentions time differences and underestimation of mandays as contributing factors.
How does the contractor system for casual labor, particularly at construction sites or brickyards, often operate regarding workers' wages and debt?
Hint: Think about how workers get to the worksite and how their initial expenses are covered.
Answer
The contractor provides a loan for transport, which is repaid by the worker working without wages until the loan is cleared.
Explanation
The text describes: 'The contractor goes to villages and asks if people want work. He will loan them some money. This loan includes the cost of transport to the work site. The loaned money is treated as an advance wage and the worker works without wages until the loan is repaid.'
In the bidi industry, which step immediately follows the auctioning of tendu leaves to bidi factory owners by the government?
Hint: Trace the production chain of bidis as described in the text.
Answer
The contractor supplies tobacco and leaves to home-based workers.
Explanation
The text outlines the process: 'The government then auctions the leaves to bidi factory owners who give it to the contractors. The contractor in turn supplies tobacco and leaves to home-based workers.'
What is the difference between a 'strike' and a 'lockout'?
Hint: Recall the definitions provided for these two labor actions.
Answer
In a strike, workers do not go to work; in a lockout, management shuts the gate and prevents workers from coming.
Explanation
The text clearly defines: 'In a strike, workers do not go to work. In a lockout, the management shuts the gate and prevents workers from coming.'
At Maruti Udyog Ltd., the company's practices of mechanization, outsourcing, and 'just-in-time' production primarily aim to:
Hint: Consider the stated effects on production, costs, and workers' experiences at Maruti.
Answer
Reduce production costs and meet targets efficiently, often at the expense of worker security and conditions.
Explanation
The text states: 'While production has gone up, the number of permanent jobs in the factory has gone down. The firm has outsourced all services... Outsourcing and just-in-time keeps costs low for the company, but the workers are very tense, because if the supplies fail to arrive, their production targets get delayed, and when they do arrive they have to run to keep up.' This indicates a focus on cost reduction and efficiency, leading to worker insecurity and stress.
The example of coffee advertisements in India displaying two cups, whereas in America they show one cup, illustrates that:
Hint: Recall the explanation given in the text for the difference in coffee advertisements.
Answer
Cultural practices, such as coffee drinking as a social occasion, influence product marketing.
Explanation
The text explains: 'The answer is that for many Indians drinking coffee is not an individual wake up activity, but an occasion to socialise with others.' This demonstrates how culture influences the way products are marketed.
The text raises a question about why more women are found in certain jobs like nursing or teaching than in engineering. This question primarily aims to explore:
Hint: Consider the societal beliefs mentioned regarding 'caring and nurturing work' versus 'tough and masculine' jobs.
Answer
The impact of societal perceptions and gender stereotypes on occupational choices and distribution.
Explanation
The text asks: 'Is this just a coincidence or is it because society thinks that women are suited for caring and nurturing work as against jobs which are seen as ‘tough’ and masculine?' This directly points to societal perceptions and gender roles influencing job distribution, rather than inherent suitability or individual preference alone.
What was a major consequence for the workers involved in the Bombay Textile Strike of 1982, which lasted nearly two years?
Hint: Recall what happened to the workers after the strike ended due to desperation.
Answer
Nearly one lakh workers lost their jobs, leading many to return to villages or take up casual labor.
Explanation
The text states: 'Slowly after two years, people started going back to work because they were desperate. Nearly one lakh workers lost their jobs and went back to their villages, or took up casual labour, others moved to smaller towns... to work in the powerloom sector.'
Which of the following is an example of a scheme floated by the Government of India to generate employment and self-employment, especially for marginalized sections?
Hint: Look for the specific names of recent government initiatives mentioned.
Answer
MUDRA
Explanation
The text mentions: 'Recently the Government of India floated many schemes, such as ‘MUDRA’, ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ in order to generate employment and self-employment to support all sections including the marginalised section of the society, like SC, ST and other backward classes.'
The text notes that while social inequalities are reducing in some spheres (like caste distinctions on public transport), economic or income inequality is growing. What relationship is often observed between these two forms of inequality?
Hint: Recall the example given about upper caste men in certain professions.
Answer
Social inequality and income inequality often overlap, perpetuating disparities in well-paying professions.
Explanation
The text states: 'Often social inequality and income inequality overlap, for example, in the domination of upper caste men in well-paying professions like medicine, law or journalism. Women often get paid less than men for similar work.' This indicates a strong, often reinforcing, relationship.
In the past, how did many workers in textile mills, such as those in Kanpur, often obtain their jobs?
Hint: Recall the specific term used for recruiters in old textile mills.
Answer
Through contractors or 'jobbers' known as 'mistris', who were also workers from the same communities.
Explanation
The text states: 'In the past, many workers got their jobs through contractors or jobbers. In the Kanpur textile mills, these jobbers were known as mistris, and were themselves workers. They came from the same regions and communities as the workers, but because they had the owner’s backing they bossed over the workers.'
'Badli' workers are defined as those who:
Hint: Recall the description of 'badli' workers and their employment status.
Answer
Substitute for regular permanent workers who are on leave, often without the same status and security despite long service.
Explanation
The text explains: 'Many factories employ badli workers who substitute for regular permanent workers who are on leave. Many of these badli workers have actually worked for many years for the same company but are not given the same status and security.'
Why do people in India strive hard to get into government jobs, according to the text?
Hint: Consider the contrast between government jobs and other employment opportunities in India regarding security.
Answer
They provide secure jobs with benefits, unlike much of the private sector.
Explanation
The text states: 'Second, very few Indians have access to secure jobs with benefits. Of those who do, two-thirds work for the government. This is why people strive hard to get into government jobs.'
The government's policy of land acquisition for industry often leads to protests, especially from farmers and adivasis, primarily because:
Hint: Recall the negative consequences mentioned regarding land acquisition for affected communities.
Answer
They are concerned about pollution and low compensation rates, potentially forcing them into casual labor.
Explanation
The text states: 'These industries do not necessarily provide employment to the people of the surrounding areas, but they cause major pollution. Many farmers, especially adivasis... are protesting at the low rates of compensation and the fact that they will be forced to become casual labour living and working on the footpaths of India’s big cities.'
According to the text, what are the two main ways a manager tries to make workers produce more?
Hint: Look for the basic methods of increasing worker output mentioned in the section on 'How Is Work Carried Out?'.
Answer
By extending working hours and increasing the amount produced within a given time period.
Explanation
The text states: 'There are two main ways of making workers produce more. One is to extend the working hours. The other is to increase the amount that is produced within a given time period.'
The 'just-in-time' production system, as exemplified by Maruti Udyog Ltd., creates significant tension for workers because:
Hint: Recall the description of worker experience with 'just-in-time' deliveries.
Answer
They are constantly pressured to keep up with production targets, especially if supplies are delayed, leading to exhaustion.
Explanation
The text explains: 'Outsourcing and just-in-time keeps costs low for the company, but the workers are very tense, because if the supplies fail to arrive, their production targets get delayed, and when they do arrive they have to run to keep up. No wonder they get exhausted.'
When comparing the skills of a farmer who understands weather, soil, and seeds with those of a software professional, the text suggests that:
Hint: Consider the conclusion drawn about the nature of skill when comparing these two professions.
Answer
Both are skilled, but in different ways, highlighting the diverse nature of 'skill'.
Explanation
The text asks: 'But how do you compare the skills of a farmer... with the knowledge of a software professional?' and answers: 'Both are skilled but in different ways.' This emphasizes that skill is not monolithic and can manifest in various forms.
The situation of migrant workers, such as young women in fish processing plants or men leaving families in villages, often leads to:
Hint: Consider the social impact of migration and the contrast with traditional family structures.
Answer
Loneliness and vulnerability, despite some gaining independence and economic autonomy.
Explanation
The text states: 'From a nation of interfering joint families, the nature of work in a globalised economy is taking people in the direction of loneliness and vulnerability. Yet for many young women, it also represents some independence and economic autonomy.'
A significant impact of liberalization on Indian companies has been:
Hint: Recall the example of Parle drinks and the general trend described.
Answer
Many Indian companies, both small and large, being bought over by multinationals, while some Indian companies also became multinational.
Explanation
The text states: 'As a result of liberalisation, many Indian companies— small and large, have been bought over by multinationals. At the same time some Indian companies are becoming multinational companies. An instance of the first is when, Parle drinks was bought by Coca Cola.'
Why is it more difficult for trade unions to organize in smaller firms compared to large organizations?
Hint: Consider the characteristics of the unorganized sector and its impact on worker rights.
Answer
Smaller firms are often part of the unorganized sector, where formal rules and collective bargaining mechanisms are weak or absent.
Explanation
The text mentions this in the context of outsourcing: 'Because small companies have to compete for orders from the big companies, they keep wages low, and working conditions are often poor. It is more difficult for trade unions to organise in smaller firms.' This difficulty stems from the informal nature and lack of protections in the unorganized sector.
The long working hours and 'night outs' in the IT and call center sectors in cities like Bengaluru have led to which social change?
Hint: Recall the societal adjustments mentioned in response to the IT sector's work culture.
Answer
Shops and restaurants changing their opening hours to stay open late, and a re-emergence of the joint family for childcare.
Explanation
The text states: 'As a result of these working hours, in places like Bengaluru... shops and restaurants have also changed their opening hours, and are open late. If both husband and wife work, then children have to be put in crèches. The joint family... seems to have re-emerged, as grandparents are roped in to help with children.'
Despite nearly 43% of India's workforce being employed in the primary sector (agriculture and mining) in 2018–19, its share of economic growth has declined sharply. What is the serious implication of this situation?
Hint: Consider the relationship between employment numbers and income contribution of a sector.
Answer
The sector employing the maximum number of people is not generating much income for them.
Explanation
The text states: 'However, if we look at the contribution of these sectors to economic growth, the share of agriculture has declined sharply, and services contribute approximately more than half. This is a very serious situation because it means that the sector where the maximum people are employed is not able to generate much income for them.'
Sociological thinkers like Durkheim and Weber associated the anonymity of modern factories and workplaces with:
Hint: Recall the social changes attributed to industrialization by these early sociologists.
Answer
The loss of face-to-face relationships and their substitution by anonymous professional relationships.
Explanation
The text states: 'Thinkers like Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim associated a number of social features with industry, such as urbanization, the loss of face-to-face relationships that were found in rural areas... and their substitution by anonymous professional relationships in modern factories and workplaces.'
In highly mechanized industries, such as Maruti Udyog Ltd., what is the general trend regarding permanent jobs?
Hint: Recall the specific observation about permanent jobs at Maruti Udyog Ltd. in the context of mechanization and outsourcing.
Answer
The number of permanent jobs tends to decrease, with more work being outsourced.
Explanation
The text states regarding Maruti Udyog Ltd.: 'While production has gone up, the number of permanent jobs in the factory has gone down. The firm has outsourced all services like cleaning, and security, as well as the manufacture of parts.' This illustrates the trend of decreasing permanent jobs with increased mechanization and outsourcing.
Which of the following describes a 'casual wage labourer'?
Hint: Consider the general meaning of 'casual' in the context of labor.
Answer
A worker hired for short-term, irregular, or seasonal work, often without job security or benefits.
Explanation
The text lists 'job in an organisation as a casual wage labourer or regular salaried' as one component of employment opportunities, and earlier mentions that approximately 24% of Indian workers are in 'casual labour', implying short-term, insecure work without the benefits of regular salaried employment.
How have mobile phones made life easier for self-employed individuals like plumbers and electricians?
Hint: Think about how communication technology expands reach for service providers.
Answer
They allow these workers to cater to a wider circle of people.
Explanation
The text states: 'Mobile phones have made life much easier for plumbers and others who can now cater to a wider circle of people.' This expands their potential client base.
In the mining industry, widespread sub-contracting often results in:
Hint: Recall the negative consequences of sub-contracting mentioned in the context of mining safety.
Answer
Contractors avoiding responsibility for accidents and benefits by not maintaining proper worker registers.
Explanation
The text states: 'Moreover, sub-contracting is widespread. Many contractors do not maintain proper registers of workers, thus avoiding any responsibility for accidents and benefits.'
Who primarily performs home-based work in industries like lace, zari, or bidi manufacturing?
Hint: Recall the demographics mentioned for home-based work.
Answer
Mainly women and children.
Explanation
The text clearly states: 'This work is mainly done by women and children.'
The text contrasts urban neighbors, who might be from different places, with personal relationships often determining aspects of work in small-scale workplaces. This highlights:
Hint: Consider the 'corrective' role of urban settings versus the reality of work for most Indians.
Answer
How urban settings can correct some social boundaries, but work relations often remain informal and personal-dependent in the unorganized sector.
Explanation
The text notes: 'Urban settings do provide some corrective to this – your neighbours in a city may be from a different place – but by and large, work for most Indians is still in smallscale workplaces. Here personal relationships determine many aspects of work.' This shows a partial, but not complete, overcoming of traditional social structures in urban work contexts.
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